See Other Highlights of Colombia

Pacific Coast of Colombia

Why Visit the Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast offers a rich and pristine landscape boasting lush jungles, national parks, exotic beaches and a fantastic array of wildlife. Between the months of July and October the coast comes alive with wildlife as the humpback whales arrive from the north in search of warmer waters and with them come the migratory birds and the golfito marine turtles. The Pacific Coast of Colombia is for those that love wildlife and culture and to discover a corner of Colombia that few have visited.

About The Pacific Coast

West of the Andes leaving behind the big cities such as Cali and Medellin, vast swathes of jungle meet the Pacific Ocean. This area is incredibly remote with only a handful of fishing settlements and just two roads that lead you to the coast. While much of the area is still off limits, the whale watching towns are now safe to visit and a number of comfortable eco lodges are paving the way for tourism. Gorgona National Park is one of the jewels of the coast. Even further north is the interesting town of Nuqui, home to a diverse ethnic mix including Afro descendants whose mainstay is fishing, agriculture and woodcutting. From Nuqui, there are a number of national parks and lodges to visit depending on your interests. A little further north is Bahia Solano, the centre of marine activities including fishing, snorkelling and whale watching as well as jungle trips to visit waterfalls and bird watching.

Go now, while the crowds have yet to arrive

Hike jungle trails and visit riverside communities

Between July and October the biggest draw to the Pacific Coast is the whale watching

Take a boat out to Isla Gorgona for superb diving

Visit the ‘Eden’ of the Pacific Coast; Nuqui, only accessible by air and surrounded by jungle

Beyond the Ordinary

Gorgona Island, a former penal colony, is today a national park and popular with snorkellers and divers alike. Its waters host dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, sharks and turtles. Reached by boat, a two hour trip from Guapi, the island also offers wonderful beaches, trails to walk to observe many different species of birds as well as the museum which gives great detail into the island’s history as a prison.